EU ministers to meet on new sanctions against Russia

On October 20, EU foreign ministers will meet in Luxembourg to discuss the stalled 19th sanctions package against Russia and support for Ukraine, according to a European news outlet.

“The EU Council will discuss increasing pressure on Russia, including the 19th package of sanctions, measures to curb the activities of the shadow fleet and counter Russia’s hybrid activities,” the agenda for the meeting states.

The EU began considering the next round of restrictions in August, with Brussels initially aiming to implement them in September. However, disagreements among member states, particularly Hungary and Slovakia, have delayed progress. The package remains under technical discussion among the Permanent Representatives of EU countries.

Kaya Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Policy, acknowledged the growing challenge of reaching consensus.

“With each package of the European Commission, it is increasingly difficult to reach agreement among all 27 countries of the community and adopt another package of sanctions,” she said.

The European Commission’s proposal includes a wide range of measures. These are expected to cover a ban on Russian LNG imports by 2027, various trade restrictions, sanctions targeting the banking sector and cryptocurrencies, as well as personal sanctions against specific individuals and organisations.

Plans also include prohibiting European companies from investing in Russian special economic zones, restricting reinsurance for Russian aircraft and ships for five years after purchase, and blocking EU entities from conducting business with non-EU ports used for Russian military exports. The proposals may also touch on tourism and the movement of Russian diplomats within the EU.

Media reports indicate that Kallas is advocating for a joint EU declaration to negotiate compulsory inspections of ships flagged in other countries that are suspected of transporting Russian oil.

By Aghakazim Guliyev